10 Tablets That Are a Perfect Fit for the Enterprise

Tablets are the new craze in the enterprise. The devices have been rapidly catching on in the corporate world since 2010 when Apple launched the iPad. The momentum that tablet adoption has continues as the corporate world has warmed to the idea of deploying slates to employees. In the last year, the deployment rate has only increased, with a recent study from Good Technology finding that 27 percent of all mobile activations in the enterprise are now tablets. There was a time when tablets weren't even considered especially useful as business tools. They were mainly used in niche applications such as data collection out in the field by utility workers. Even by the time nearly every employee had a smartphone, the number of people using tablets was still low. Now, though, companies are deploying one tablet for every five smartphones in the corporate world, according to research firm IDC. That might still seem like a wide span, but it says something about the corporate tablet use and where it's headed. In essence, it means that tablets are working well for enterprise customers and they are going to deploy more of them. But not all tablets can appeal to the needs of corporate customers. With that in mind, this eWEEK slide show examines 10 tablets that are particularly well-suited for use in the enterprise.

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10 Tablets That Are a Perfect Fit for the Enterprise

by Don Reisinger

Apple iPad

Apple's iPad is an obvious option for enterprise customers. In fact, more than 88 percent of all of the tablets deployed in the enterprise are iPads, according to Good Technology. That says something. And it explains why Apple is so successful at appealing to corporate users, despite its challenges doing so in the past.

Apple iPad Mini

If the iPad is included in this roundup, it would only make sense that the iPad Mini would be as well. The slate comes with a smaller screen than its bigger companion, but it boasts the same high-quality software that enterprise customers like. Plus, the iPad Mini is cheaper, reducing the crunch on IT budgetsmaking it a great option all around.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1

The Galaxy Note 10.1 is Samsung's response to the iPad. To add a little flavor and value for corporate customers, the Galaxy Note 10.1, which sports a 10.1-inch display, also includes a stylus that allows owners to write with a pen on the screen. For enterprise customers, especially, the stylus comes in handy.

Microsoft Surface Pro

Although Windows 8 is not an enterprise favorite, with the Surface Pro, Microsoft does deliver a tablet that comes with the bells and whistles that corporate customers are after. The device has a big, 11.6-inch screen, and despite Windows 8's flaws, the software is fully compatible with most of the programs companies care about. That's important for some firms.

Google Nexus 10

The Google Nexus 10 doesn't come with the same firepower as the iPad, but the device is still a worthy option for enterprise customers who want to deploy Android. That the Nexus 10 comes from Google, which is trying to make an enterprise push with cloud-based programs, is also an important selling point. But whether it's enough to get corporate customers to buy the tablet remains to be seen.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8

The Galaxy Note 8 is similar to the iPad Mini in that if the higher-end version appeals to enterprise customers, so too should the lower-end model. The Galaxy Note 8 comes with an 8-inch screen and the same support for a stylus as does the Galaxy Note 10.1. The device also runs Samsung's proprietary Android skin, which actually enhances overall usability and security. All of this makes the Galaxy Note 8 is a nice choice for enterprise customers.

Asus Transformer Pad Infinity

The Asus Transformer Pad Infinity might not get the attention that the iPad or Samsung Galaxy Note gets, but the device is still an interesting choice for corporate customers. Arguably its best feature is its ability to connect to a physical keyboard, turning the tablet into a convertible notebook. That comes in handy in the enterprise, where virtual keyboards do more to hold people up than enhance productivity.

Sony Xperia Tablet Z

The Sony Xperia Tablet Z might be designed for consumers first, but the device's many solid features make it an enterprise winner. For instance, the device comes with a 10.1-inch display and has a quad-core processor. Plus, it's thin and lightweight and comes with an 8.1-megapixel camera that should be enough for most corporate users.

Lenovo ThinkPad Helix

Lenovo's ThinkPad Helix is designed specifically for corporate users. The device, which runs Windows 8 Pro, starts at a whopping $1,574.10. However, the convertible tablet allows users to use the device as a standard slate or they can pop it into a keyboard and turn it into a notebook. Even better, its display measures 11.6 inches, making it one of the biggest options in this roundup.

Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2

Like the Helix, Lenovo's ThinkPad Tablet 2 is designed for enterprise customers. However, the ThinkPad Tablet 2 is more tabletlike, in that it comes with a 10.1-inch screen and can't be docked into a physical keyboard. Still, the device runs Windows 8 Pro, which might appeal to some customers.